The Emperor's Dragon

Trip

All For One smiled at the woman talking to him. Her name was Shufen. She was telling him how her company could definitely keep his supplied. He already knew that but it was expected that he attend these business functions. It helped to seal the deal. In some ways he preferred the underworld. Then if things went wrong, they could be dealt with directly, rather than with delicate excuses uttered while sipping champagne surrounded by artwork.

Still, he had agreed to this function because his target was here. This wing of the gallery was beautiful and to anyone interested in Song Dynasty Art, this was the place to be. Except almost no one was interested. The connections offered here by the people were far more interesting. It was slightly amusing to him, that amidst all the finery here, it would be considered uncouth to actually make a deal. He was here for that though and was tracking his target. It was slightly difficult with all the people given that he'd never really needed to do this much. He should have thought about it earlier and perhaps gotten a quirk to help. No matter, it was something he could look into later. For now, he had one eye covertly on his target who was beginning to show signs of boredom with the function.

He should be able to complete his transaction shortly.

"Weizhi! It's so good to see you!"

All For One looked at the man who came over. It took him a moment to recall who they were. "Yiyuan!" He greeted the man. Interestingly Shufen didn't look happy. Her company was a supplier, Yiyuan's business was a client, so there was no clash of interest there. Infact, All For One thought that they had a separate business deal as well. So why was she unhappy? Oh... She hadn't seriously been trying to get him into bed, had she? The ancient man almost laughed at that thought but let it go as he focused on Yiyuan's words.

"We have a new project you may be interested in," he said in a conspiratorial whisper, which basically meant everyone in a 5 meter radius could hear.

"We are always interested, Yiyuan, you know that. The opportunity to work with you is welcomed."

Yiyuan beamed at him.

"Come to my office tomorrow, and we'll discuss it?" All For One suggested. Now that Yiyuan had told everyone about the opportunity that was probably what he wanted anyway.

"Of course! I trust things are going well?"

"The usual," he told Yiyuan. "Shareholders wanting profit now, forgetting that you need to invest!" That was a standard complaint.

"Surely not Weizhi!" Shufen objected. It was a simpering objection and confirmed his earlier thought.

All For One gave her a slightly condescending smile. "Be thankful you are the sole owner," he told her. "Dealing with shareholders is exhausting!" he added with a chuckle, that Yiyuan echoed. On paper, his company had shareholders but 80% of them were his other shell companies. 20% were actually legitimate but he had employees who dealt with that aspect of the company and they made sure the business was run according to the law.

From the corner of his eye, All For One saw his target move away and if you weren't looking for it, the slight opening of the door would be missed. He was looking for it but no one else was so even those in the vicinity of the door didn't notice.

"Yiyuan, we shall chat tomorrow," All For One said when he deemed enough time had passed. "Shufen, it is, as always, it was lovely to see you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you," he added by way of parting.

Shufen's face flashed with annoyance but she was a businesswoman first, and she smoothed it out and nodded, giving him what she thought was a seductive smile. "The same applies," she murmured. "Anything, Weizhu, anything," came the extra emphasis.